One Brooklyn Health, a newly-launched network of health care providers, will open and expand 11 community health centers in underserved neighborhoods.

Photo courtesy Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo outlined on Thursday the next phase of One Brooklyn Health, a 32-site ambulatory care network in Central Brooklyn. The network first launched in January with Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, Interfaith Medical Center and Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center is now moving to open or expand 11 community health centers in Central Brooklyn. The governor was joined by Congressmembers Yvette Clarke and Hakeem Jeffries, State Senator Roxanne Persaud, Assemblywoman Latrice Walker, Public Advocate Tish James and Councilwoman Alicka Ampry-Samuel at Brownsville Community Center.

“One of the top priorities of the initiative has been to provide greater access to quality healthcare to residents, and with the creation of this ambulatory care network, we are making that a reality,” Cuomo said.

Central Brooklyn severely lacks access to primary care doctors and other critical mental health services. According to recent statistics, there are only 55 primary care physicians per 100,000 people, half the statewide average. Additionally, there are 497 emergency room visits in Central Brooklyn for every 1,000 people, which also surpasses the statewide average, according to the governor’s office.

After the initial $700 million boost Cuomo made available in January, he is now adding another $210 million to expand One Brooklyn Health.

The funds will benefit the renovation and expansion of Prospect Heights’ Bishop Walker Health Care Center; Crown Heights’ Pierre Toussaint Health Center, East New York’s Medical Village at Brooklyn Developmental Center and Old Bristol Women & Child Health Center to optimize underutilized spaces, to do critical upgrades to the infrastructure and to expand the capacity of these community health centers.

This new phase of One Brooklyn Health will also support the opening of new healthcare facilities. Bed-Stuy Family Health Center, Brownsville Multi-Service Center; ODA Crown Heights; Community Health Network in Bushwick and Brooklyn Plaza Medical Center will receive funding to open new ambulatory service centers and primary care satellite sites in underserved neighborhoods. These new sites will provide comprehensive services including pediatrics, internal medicine and family medicine practices; podiatry, endocrinology, dermatology, cardiology, neurology, OB/GYN and behavioral health services, as well as on-site depression care manager, cross-functional primary and behavioral health care teams.

“Our communities in Brooklyn have faced health disparities for far too long, and these investments will make an immense difference in the lives of so many Brooklyn residents by providing vital services to improve their lives and wellness,” said State Senator Roxanne Persaud.

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Launched in 2013, BK Reader (formerly The Brooklyn Reader) is an online hyperlocal daily news source reflecting the art, culture, business and lifestyle of the fastest-developing areas of Central and East Brooklyn.